BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type
for transmitting motion in a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element
slidably disposed within a guide such as a conduit. More specifically, the invention
relates to such a remote control assembly including a support housing for supporting
the flexible motion transmitting core element through an aperture in a bulkhead or
other support structure.
[0003] The invention also relates to a method of making such a motion transmitting remote
control assembly.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Prior art push-pull assemblies have included support housings disposed within a bulkhead
or partition for supporting a push-pull cable passing therethrough. Generally, the
assembly consists of a conduit having an end fitting such that the end fitting is
disposed within the support housing. A problem arises when vibrations, originating
in the support housing, are passed to the cable through the end fitting or vice versa.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The instant invention provides a motion transmitting remote control assembly of the
type for transmitting motion in a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core
element comprising a flexible motion transmitting core element, a flexible conduit
and end fitting disposed about the end of the conduit for movably supporting the core
element such that the core element extends from the end fitting, and a support housing
for supporting the end fitting and a portion of the conduit on a support structure.
The instant invention is characterized by a resilient vibration dampener disposed
between the support housing and the end fitting for providing noise and vibration
isolation therebetween.
[0006] The instant invention also provides a method of making the motion transmitting remote
control assembly including the steps of inserting the end portion of the conduit into
a cavity of a first mold and injecting an organic polymeric material into the cavity
for molding an end fitting about the conduit. The end fitting is then inserted into
a cavity of a second mold and a vibration dampening material is injected into the
mold for molding a vibration dampener about the end fitting. Finally, the vibration
dampener is placed into a cavity of a third mold and an organic polymeric material
is injected into the cavity for molding a support housing about the vibration dampener.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
[0007] An example of a cable assembly including a vibration dampener is the U.S. patent
2,918,808 to Botti issued December 29, 1959. The Botti patent teaches a speedometer
cable assembly including a circular tubular sleeve which is press-fitted on a cable
so as to provide attenuation of the sound waves. Another patent teaching a similar
structure is the U.S. patent 3,101,205 to Benham issued August 20, 1963. The Benham
patent teaches the use of a flexible end fitting for securing a cable assembly within
an aperture of a bulkhead.
[0008] The two aforementioned patents do not teach an end fitting molded about a conduit
which is molded within a vibration dampener, the vibration dampener being molded within
a support housing for retaining the assembly within an aperture of a wall such that
the vibration dampener isolates vibrations between the end fittings and support housing.
In other words, neither the Botti nor the Benham patent solves the problem of dampening
vibrations which are passed from the bulkhead through the end fitting to the push-pull
cable such that movement of the cable is not attenuated while the vibrations are effectively
dampened, or vice versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view substantially along the longitudinal axis of a
motion transmitting remote control assembly constructed in accordance with the instant
invention;
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a conduit disposed within a mold assembly
for making an end fitting of the motion transmitting remote control assembly;
FIGURE 3 is a partially broken away side view of the end fitting which has been molded
about the conduit;
FIGURE 4 is an end view taken substantially along
FIGURE 5 is a partially broken away view of the end fitting and conduit disposed within
a mold assembly for making the vibration dampener of the motion transmitting remote
control assembly;
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration dampener disposed about the end
fitting and conduit; and
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the motion transmitting remote control assembly
disposed within a mold assembly for making the support housing of the motion transmitting
remote control assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting motion
in a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element is generally shown
at 10 in FIGURE 1. The assembly 10 includes a flexible motion transmitting core element
12 and guide means for movably supporting the core element 12. The guide means includes
a flexible conduit 14 and an end fitting 16 disposed about an end portion of the conduit
14. The conduit 14 extends from a first end 18 of the end fitting 16. The core element
12 extends from the other end 20 of the end fitting.
[0011] The assembly further includes a support housing generally indicated at 22 for supporting
the guide means on a support structure such as a bulkhead or other partition whereby
the core element 12 passes through an aperture in the bulkhead.
[0012] The instant invention is characterized by a - d - resilient vibration dampener 24
disposed between the support housing 22 and the guide means for providing noise and
vibration isolation therebetween. In other words, vibrations originating in the support
structure or bulkhead and passing through the support housing 22 are absorbed by the
vibration dampener 24 such that the vibrations are not passed on to the core element
12. In a similar fashion, such vibrations are passed in the opposite direction from
the core element or conduit to the bulkhead or other support structure.
[0013] The end fitting 16, the support means 22, and the vibration dampener 24 are made
of organic polymeric material. The vibration dampener 24 is made of a softer material
than the end fitting 16 and the support housing 22. Thusly, the vibration dampener
24 isolates the end fitting 18 and the portion of the conduit 14 disposed within the
support housing 22 from the support housing 22 so as to effectively diminish the communication
of vibrations therebetween while not affecting the movement of the core element 12
within the assembly 10.
[0014] The vibration dampener 24 includes a cylindrical section 26 surrounding the end portion
of the conduit 14 immediately adjacent the end 18 of the end fitting 16. The support
housing 22 has an annular end wall 28 surrounding the cylindrical section 26 whereby
the support housing 22 is isolated from the conduit 26. In other words, that portion
of the conduit 14 extending from the end fitting 16 which is disposed within the support
housing 22 is isolated therefrom by the cylindrical portion 26 of the vibration dampener
24. Therefore, the end fitting 16 and the end portion of the conduit 14 adjacent the
first end 18 of the end fitting 16 are encapsulated within the vibration dampener
24. The end walls 28 of the support housing 23 surround the vibration dampener 24
and provide a mechanical interlocking engagement therewith.
[0015] The second end 20 of the end fitting 16 extends over the end face 30 of the conduit
14 and has a hole 32 therethrough. The vibration dampener 24 extends over the second
end 20 of the end fitting 16 and has a hole 34 therethrough which is adjacent and
coaxial with the hole 32 of the end fitting 16 such that the core element 12 extends
through the holes 32 and 34. Thusly, the end fitting 16 is completely isolated from
the support housing 22 while the hole 34 of the vibration dampener 24 does not contact
the core element 12 and thusly, does not affect its movement within the assembly 10.
[0016] The end fitting 16 includes retentive flange means for preventing axial and rotational
movement of the end fitting 16 in relation to the vibration dampener 24. The flange
means includes a first pair of flanges 36 extending radially in opposite directions
from the second end portion 20 of the end fitting 16. As best shown in FIGURE 4, the
end fitting generally indicated at 16 includes a second pair of flanges 38 extending
radially in opposite directions from the end fitting 16 and are axially spaced from
the first pair of flanges 36. The first pair of flanges 36 extend perpendicularly
to the second pair of flanges 38. The instant invention provides flange means for
preventing axial and rotational movement of the end fitting 16 within the vibration
dampener 24. The retentive flanges prevent axial and rotational movement of the end
fitting 16 within the vibration dampener 24. The flanges may be located in alternative
positions along the end fitting 16 and still provide efficient prevention of axial
rotational movement.
[0017] As shown in FIGURE 1, the instant invention includes swivel means generally indicated
at 40 for swivelling movement relative to the guide means and for movably supporting
the core element 12. The swivel means 40 is attached to the support housing 22 at
a swivel joint generally indicated at 42. The swivel means 40 includes a male swivel
portion 44 having a convex spherical surface. The support housing 22 includes a female
swivel portion 46 having a partially concave spherical surface for receiving and supporting
the male swivel portion 44 of the swivel means 40. A cup spacer 47 further defines
the female swivel portion 46. The cup spacer 47 is further described in a co-pending
application.
[0018] A core element 12 includes a slider rod 48 slidably supported in and extending from
the swivel means 40. The slider rod 48 includes an end portion 50 having an opening
52 therethrough adapted for being pivotally secured to an actuating lever member.
Alternatively, the attached lever may be actuated by the core element 12.
[0019] The support housing 22 includes retaining means generally indicated at 54 for retaining
the support housing 22 in an aperture of the support structure which surrounds the
support housing 22. The support housing 22 includes a body portion 56. The retaining
means 54 includes an abutment portion 58 for abutting the support structure at one
extremity of the aperture therein to prevent the support housing 22 from moving through
the aperture. The retaining means 54 also includes a pair of flexible legs 60 extending
towards the abutment 58 in a cantilevered fashion from the body portion 56 and spaced
from the abutment portion 58 for moving through the aperture as the support housing
22 is inserted therein and for engaging the support housing 22 at the other extremity
of the aperture for retaining the support housing 22 therein.
[0020] As shown in FIGURE 1, the swivel means 40 includes a wiper cap 62 attached to the
distal end thereof. The wiper cap 62 is in sliding engagement with the slider rod
48. The wiper cap 62 has a lip 64 abutting the distal end of the swivel means 40 for
preventing foreign substances from entering the end of the swivel means 40 which would
inhibit the movement of the slider rod 48 within the swivel means 40. A rubber-like
boot 66 is frictionally held in place about the swivel means 40 and abuts the end
portion 68 of the support housing 22 for preventing foreign substances from entering
the swivel joint 42.
[0021] The core element 12 is a flexible wire-like element. The slider rod 48 is tacked
to the core element 12 at 70.
[0022] A method of making the instant invention is shown in FIGURES 2, 5 and 7.
[0023] As shown in FIGURE 2, the end portion of the conduit 14 is inserted into the cavity
72 of a first mold 74. The first mold 74 has an integral mandrel 76. The mandrel 76
extends into the bore of the conduit 14 and defines the bore 32 of the end fitting
16. The mold 74 also includes insertion control means including at least one pin 78
radially spaced from the mandrel 76 for abutting against the end face 30 of the conduit
14 at a predetermined point within the cavity 72. An organic polymeric material is
injected into the cavity 72 for molding the end fitting 16 about the conduit 14. As
previously stated, the mandrel 76 forms the opening 32 in the end portion 20 of the
end fitting 16. The pins 78 form corresponding openings 80 radially spaced from the
opening 32. The mandrel 76 prevents molded material from entering the bore of the
conduit and is, therefore, longer than the positioning pins 78.
[0024] As shown in FIGURE 5, the end fitting 16 is inserted into a cavity 82 of a second
mold 84. A vibration dampening material is injected into the mold for molding the
vibration dampener 24 about the end fitting 16. The resulting product is shown in
FIGURE 6. The vibration dampener 24 is molded about the end fitting 16 and adjacent
portion of the conduit 14 thereby encapsulating the end fitting 16 and the end portion
of the conduit 14 adjacent the end fitting 16 within the vibration dampener 24. The
cavity 82 of the mold 84 includes a portion 86 for molding the cylindrical section
26 of the vibration dampener 24 for surrounding the end portion of the conduit 14
immediately adjacent the end fitting 16. The mold 84 also includes a mandrel for insertion
into the opening 32 of the end fitting 16 with annular steps, one of which abuts the
end of the fitting 16 for positioning the fitting 16 axially within the cavity 82.
[0025] As shown in FIGURE 7, the vibration dampener 24 is placed into a cavity 88 of a third
mold 90. A mandrel 92 is used for plugging the holes 32 and 34 of the end fitting
16 and the vibration dampener 24 respectively and for positioning the cup spacer 47
and swivel means 40 in proper relation to the vibration dampener 24. An organic polymeric
material is injected into the mold 90 for molding the support housing 22 about the
vibration dampener 24. The cavity 88 of the mold 90 includes a portion 94 for molding
the annular end wall 28 of the support housing 22 surrounding the cylindrical section
26 of the vibration dampener 24 whereby the support housing 22 is completely isolated
from contact with the conduit 14 and the end fitting 16.
[0026] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it is to be understood
that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words
of description rather than of limitation.
[0027] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible
in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the
scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience
and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise as
specifically described.
[0028] The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed
are defined as follows:
1. A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting
motion in a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element, said assembly
(10) comprising; a flexible motion transmitting core element (12), guide means for
movably supporting said core element (12), said core element (12) extending from an
end (20) of said guide means, support means (22) for supporting said guide means on
a support structure, and characterized by resilient vibration dampening means (24)
disposed between said support means (22) and said guide means for providing noise
and vibration isolation therebetween.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said guide means includes a flexible
conduit (14) and an end fitting (16) disposed about an end portion of said conduit
(14) and extending from a first end (18) of said end fitting (16), said end fitting
being disposed within said vibration dampening means.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said end fitting (16) and said end
portion of said conduit (14) adjacent said first end (18) of said end fitting (16)
are encapsulated within said vibration dampening means (24), said support means (22)
surrounding and in mechanical interlocking engagement with said vibration dampening
means (24).
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said end fitting (16), support means
(22) and vibration dampening means (24) are made of organic polymeric material, said
vibration dampening means (24) being of a softer material than said end fitting (16)
and said support means (22).
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said vibration dampening means (24)
includes a cylindrical section (26) surrounding said end portion of said conduit (14)
immediately adjacent said first end (18) of said end fitting (16), said support means
(22) having an annular end wall (28) surrounding said cylindrical section (26) whereby
said support means (22) is isolated from said conduit (14).
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said end fitting (16) includes a second
end (20) extending over the end face (30) of said conduit (14) and having a hole (32)
therethrough, said vibration dampening means (24) extending over said second end (20)
of said end fitting (16) and having a hole (34) therethrough, said holes (32, 34)
being adjacent and coaxial, said core element (12) extending through said holes (32,
34).
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said end fitting (16) includes retentive
flange means for preventing axial and rotational movement of said end fitting (16)
in relation to said vibration dampening means (24).
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said flange means includes a first
pair of flanges (36) extending radially in opposite directions from said end fitting
(16) and a second pair of flanges (38) extending radially in opposite directions from
said end fitting (16) and axially spaced from said first pair (36).
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said first pair of flanges (36) extend
perpendicularly to said second pair of flanges (38).
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including swivel means (40) for providing
swivelling movement relative to said guide means and movably supporting said core
element (12), said swivel means (40) attached to said support means (22) at a swivel
joint (42), said swivel means (40) including a male swivel portion (44) having a convex
spherical surface, said support means (22) including a female swivel portion (46)
having a partially concave spherical surface for receiving and supporting said male
swivel portion (44) of said swivel means (40), said core element (12) including a
slider rod (48) slidably supported in and extending from said swivel means (40), said
support means including retaining means (54) for retaining said support means (22)
in an aperture of the support structure which surrounds said support means (22), said
support means (22) including a body portion (56) with said retaining means (54) thereof
including an abutment portion (58) for abutting the support structure at one extremity
of the aperture therein to prevent the support means (22) from moving through the
aperture and a pair of flexible legs (60) extending toward said abutment (58) in a
cantilevered fashion from said body portion (56) and spaced from said abutment portion
(58) for moving through the aperture as said support means (22) is inserted therein
and for engaging the support means (22) at the other extremity of the aperture for
retaining said support means (22) therein, said swivel means including a wiper cap
attached to the distal end thereof, said wiper cap (62) being in sliding engagement
with said slider rod (48) and having a lip abutting said distal end of said swivel
means (40) for preventing foreign substances from entering said end of said swivel
means (40).
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said core element is a flexible wire-like
element.
12. A method for making a motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the
type for supporting a flexible motion transmitting core element (12) including the
steps of: inserting the end portion of a conduit (14) into a cavity (72) of a first
mold (74) and injecting an organic polymeric material into the cavity for molding
an end fitting (16) about the conduit (14), inserting the end fitting (16) into a
cavity (82) of a second mold (84) and injecting a vibration dampening material into
the mold for molding a vibration dampener (24) about the end fitting (16), and placing
the vibration dampener (24) into a cavity (88) of a third mold (90) and injecting
an organic polymeric material for molding a support member (22) about the vibration
dampener (24).
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 including encapsulating the end fitting (16)
and the end portion of the conduit (14) adjacent the end fitting (16) within the vibration
dampener (24).
14. A method as set forth in claim 13 including molding a cylindrical section (26)
of the vibration dampener (24) surrounding the end portion of the conduit (14) immediately
adjacent the end fitting (16) and molding an annular end wall (28) in the support
member (22) surrounding the cylindrical section (26) whereby the support member (22)
is completely isolated from contact with the conduit (14) and the end fitting (16).
15. A method as set forth in claim 14 further defined as inserting the conduit (14)
into the first mold (74) having an integral mandrel (76) with the mandrel (76) extending
into the bore of the conduit (14) and defining the bore (32) of the end fitting (16)
and insertion control means including at least one pin (78) radially spaced from the
mandrel (76) for abutting against the end face (30) of the conduit (14) at a predetermined
point within the cavity (72).
16. A mold (74) for molding a motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of
the type including a flexible motion transmitting core element (12) supported by a
conduit (14) having an end fitting (16) at the end thereof, said mold (74) comprising;
a hollow mold body (74) having an inner wall defining a cavity (72) therewithin including
a mandrel (76) within said cavity for defining the bore (32) of the end fitting (16)
and including at least one pin (78) radially spaced from said mandrel (76) for abutting
the end of the conduit (14) as the conduit (14) is inserted into the cavity (72) for
spacing the end of the conduit from said inner wall and along the mandrel.